When Affordable Housing Design Starts With Lived Experience

Today, as an associate principal at KTGY, Ciammaichella leads multifamily design efforts from the firm’s Oakland, Calif., office. Drawing on an interdisciplinary background that spans architecture, landscape and urban design, her work centers on housing that supports daily life, fosters long-term impact and creates a sense of belonging within the communities it serves.

That approach is evident in projects such as Distel Circle, the first fully affordable housing development in Los Altos, Calif., developed by EAH Housing. In this conversation with Multi-Housing News, Ciammaichella reflects on how her personal experiences continue to inform her design philosophy, how empathy and rigor coexist in housing design, and how her own journey has shaped the way she approaches leadership and mentorship today.

Can you talk about what led you to architecture, and why housing—especially affordable housing—became such a central focus of your work?

Ciammaichella: My interest in architecture grew out of necessity, long before I had a name for it. Growing up in an immigrant family, affordable housing gave me the stability and opportunity that helped shape the course of my life. That experience informs my work as a residential architect. I design with inclusivity, security and long-term impact in mind. I’m driven to provide others with that same foundation, while the gratitude of residents continually reinforces the purpose behind my work: creating homes that enable lasting change.

How has your personal experience shaped the way you approach design, and your view of housing as part of a broader community rather than just individual buildings?

Ciammaichella: As a multidisciplinary architect, I integrate landscape and architecture with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability and social equity. I create homes that are welcoming, accessible and responsive to people and place. My experience navigating diverse environments has shaped my view of housing, which I see as a platform for people to thrive within a broader community instead of a collection of buildings.

When approaching a new site, how do you honor its history while addressing contemporary needs?

Ciammaichella: Every site carries its own history and narrative. As architects, our role is to uncover and honor that story while creatively addressing the practical requirements set by clients, communities and regulatory bodies.

The most compelling designs emerge when historical context, stakeholder input and regulatory frameworks are not seen as constraints, but as opportunities to shape site-specific solutions. I believe successful architecture lies in weaving these layers into a cohesive vision that is both imaginative and inclusive—something all parties can take pride in.

Distel Circle, the first 100 percent affordable housing development in Los Altos, is both about innovation and inclusion. What drew you to the project on a personal level?

Ciammaichella: Distel Circle resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Growing up, I knew what it felt like to be in a community where affordability was either overlooked or stigmatized. Los Altos is not where people traditionally imagine that affordable housing belongs, and that challenge was exactly what drew me in. Our client recently told me that I described the concept for Distel like a ‘love letter.’ I cherished that feedback because providing sustainable, safe, affordable housing is truly what I love and believe in.

Your work often speaks to the emotional side of space, even though design can be highly technical. What moments remind you that architecture can truly change how someone feels about where they live?

Ciammaichella: The moments that stay with me are the simple ones: a resident walking through their new community for the first time, a family feeling safe enough to let their children play outside, someone telling me they finally have a place where they can focus on school or work. They remind me that architecture isn’t just drawings or approvals, it’s shaping the backdrop of someone’s life. That understanding keeps my work grounded.

As you’ve grown into a leadership role at KTGY, how has your own journey shaped the way you mentor others and lead teams today?

Ciammaichella: I know what it’s like to feel lost, to work twice as hard to catch up and to need someone to open a door. At KTGY, I try to be the person who opens doors, understands different backgrounds and situations, and challenges people the way my mentors challenged me. My leadership is grounded in empathy but also in expectation, because I know firsthand that those two together can change a person’s trajectory.

Looking back, was there a moment in your career that reaffirmed your decision to pursue this path? What continues to keep you connected to it today?

Ciammaichella: There were many, but one that stands out was early in my career when I realized how difficult the transition from academia to corporate practice would be. I was frustrated that I couldn’t contribute the way I wanted to. But instead of walking away, I committed myself to proving my value one project and one client at a time. Every time I see a project come to life—especially a community that supports families who need it most—I’m reminded that the struggle was worth it.

As you think about what’s ahead, what do you hope people take away from your work and its impact on housing design?

Ciammaichella: When I think about what comes next, I hope my work shows that, in an ever more tech-influenced and AI-driven world, architects bring something uniquely human and innovative to design. Ultimately, I hope my work underscores one belief: Thoughtful, well-designed housing can be the foundation for opportunity.